Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science
Bachelors Double DegreeCourse snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
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Duration
4 years full-time; 8 years part-time
4.5 years min for students commencing in July -
Location
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Placements
NA
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ATAR
65
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Inherent Requirements
NA
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
BExScPsychSc
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Course code
3207113
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Credit points
384
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Equivalent units
32
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Indicative Fee
Overview
From the elite athlete to the growing teenager, physical and mental health are essential to a balanced life. In this course you can immerse yourself in the psychology of what drives our behaviour and how this relates to sport and exercise.
Our accredited Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science provides a scientific understanding of the structure and function of the human body as it relates to movement, the interrelationships between health and disease, and the psychological basis of physical activity.
You will complete core units in exercise science including anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, strength and conditioning, and motor control as well as core units in psychological science that include assessment, methodology and principles of behaviour. A range of elective subjects is also available.
Career opportunities exist as a psychologist (with additional postgraduate training) and in careers that carry therapeutic connections to sport and exercise, such as professional athlete counselling, rehabilitation, or within the education sector.
Course Learning Outcome |
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Demonstrate the level of critical analysis, problem solving and decision making expected of professionals aligned to psychology and exercise science. Apply knowledge of the scientific method in thinking about problems related to behaviour and mental processes. Use reasoning and evidence to recognise, develop, defend, and criticise arguments and persuasive appeals. |
Demonstrate innovative and creative responses and solutions to problems encountered by health professionals aligned with psychology and exercise science. Demonstrate practical skills in laboratory-based and other research in psychology and exercise science. Demonstrate an attitude of critical thinking that includes persistence, open-mindedness, and intellectual engagement. |
Demonstrate a knowledge of – and commitment to – social responsibility, ethics and legal principles consistent with expectations of health professionals aligned to psychology and exercise science. Use information in an ethical manner (e.g., acknowledge and respect work and intellectual property rights of others through appropriate citations in oral and written communication). Promote evidence-based approaches to understanding and changing human behaviour. |
Demonstrate an ability to understand industry best practice relating to psychology and exercise science. Acquire an understanding of core topics in the disciplines of psychology and exercise science. |
Manage personal and professional behaviour in response to the outcomes of self-directed learning and reflective practice. Demonstrate a capacity for independent learning to sustain personal and professional development in a changing healthcare environment. Apply psychological principles to promote personal development in setting and achieving career and personal goals; incorporate feedback for improved performance; and purposefully evaluate the quality of one’s thinking (metacognition). |
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of teamwork in health professions aligned to psychology and exercise science. Write effectively in a variety of formats (e.g., essays, research proposals, reports using American Psychological Association conventions) and for a variety of purposes (e.g., informing, arguing). Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in various formats (e.g., debate, group discussion, presentation) and for various purposes. |
Demonstrate an understanding of social and cultural issues (including prejudice, discrimination, and inequity) relative to the work of health professionals aligned with psychology and exercise science. Recognise and respect social, cultural, linguistic, spiritual, and gender diversity. Reflect on one’s experiences and learn from them in order to identify and articulate one’s personal, sociocultural, and professional values; demonstrate insightful awareness of one’s feelings, motives, and attitudes based on psychological principles. |
You will complete a 140-hour exercise science professional placement in the third year of the course. Placements might be in health and sporting centres, clubs, schools and academies or sport and recreation centres under professional supervision. As part of your professional placement you might assist personal trainers, health educators, strength and conditioning or sports coaches, sporting event coordinators or recreation officers.
Professional experience placements require students to fulfil certain pre-requisites (e.g. a working with children check, immunisation and National Police Certificate). Before applying for this course, please consider the important information regarding these requirements.
Exercise science: anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, sports conditioning and motor control.
Psychological science: assessment, methodology, principles of behaviour.
Location | Teaching period | UAC code | QTAC code |
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Coffs Harbour | Session 1 , Session 2 | N/A | N/A |
Gold Coast | Session 1 , Session 2 | N/A | N/A |
Lismore | Session 1 , Session 2 | N/A | N/A |
Career Outcomes
The Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and Exercise & Sport Science Australia (ESSA). All graduates may apply for full membership as Exercise Scientists with ESSA and are eligible for registration as an Exercise Professional with Fitness Australia (FA) and as a Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA).
Graduates may also choose to pursue further training to gain registration as a psychologist or as an accredited exercise physiologist.
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.
Entry requirements
Credit for prior learning
For units of study accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), recognition of prior learning (via advanced standing) cannot be granted for previous informal or non-formal learning, or for formal learning completed within a qualification lower than AQF level 7 - Bachelor Degree.
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science, students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising:
- 29 core units (348 credit points); and
- 3 elective units (36 credit points) from University wide offerings.
Exit Awards
Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Health and Human Sciences after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising any 16 core units.
Students may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Health and Human Sciences after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising any 8 core units.
Professional Experience Learning
This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on School of Health and Human Sciences Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access & Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Access & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
Course structure
Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.
Unit Code | Unit Title | Available | Credit points | Notes | |||||||||||||||||||
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Year 1, Session 1 |
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HBIO1001 | Human Anatomy |
Session1,3
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PSYC1006 | Principles of Behaviour in Physical Activity |
Session1
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HBIO1007 | Human Physiology I |
Session1,2
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PSYC1001 | Introduction to Psychology I |
Session1
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Year 1, Session 2 |
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HBIO1008 | Human Physiology II |
Session2,3
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HBIO2001 | Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy |
Session2
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NUTR1001 | Food and Nutrition in Health |
Session2,3
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PSYC1002 | Introduction to Psychology II |
Session2
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Year 2, Session 1 |
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HBIO1006 | Human Growth, Development and Ageing |
Session1
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SCIN2002 | Mechanics for Movement |
Session1
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BUSN1001 | Management for Sport and Exercise |
Session1
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PSYC2004 | Development across the Lifespan |
Session1
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Year 2, Session 2 |
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PSYC2003 | Exercise Psychology |
Session2
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SPRT2001 | Sports Conditioning and Training Methods |
Session2
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STAT2002 | Quantitative Methods in Psychology |
Session2
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HLTH1003 | Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport |
Session2
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Year 3, Session 1 |
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HBIO2002 | Motor Control |
Session1
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HLTH2002 | Exercise Physiology |
Session1
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PSYC2001 | Psychological Assessment |
Session1
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STAT3001 | Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology |
Session1
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Year 3, Session 2 |
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HLTH3002 | Exercise Physiology and Prescription |
Session2
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HLTH2001 | Motor Learning |
Session2
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PSYC3004 | Biological Psychology |
Session2
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Elective | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Year 4, Session 1 |
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SPRT3001 | Professional Preparation |
Session1
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PSYC3003 | Learning and Memory |
Session1
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PSYC5001 | Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology |
Session1
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Elective | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Year 4, Session 2 |
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SCIN3001 | Applied Biomechanics |
Session2
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PSYC2002 | Abnormal Psychology |
Session2
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PSYC3001 | Social Psychology |
Session2
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Elective |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Available | Credit points | Notes | |||||||||||||||||
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Year 1, Session 2 |
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HBIO1007 | Human Physiology I |
Session1,2
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NUTR1001 | Food and Nutrition in Health |
Session2,3
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Year 1, Session 3 |
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HBIO1008 | Human Physiology II |
Session2,3
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Year 2, Session 1 |
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HBIO1001 | Human Anatomy |
Session1,3
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PSYC1006 | Principles of Behaviour in Physical Activity |
Session1
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PSYC1001 | Introduction to Psychology I |
Session1
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Year 2, Session 2 |
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HBIO2001 | Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy |
Session2
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PSYC1002 | Introduction to Psychology II |
Session2
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Year 3, Session 1 |
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From Year 3, following the Session 1 Commencement course progression from Year 2 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Available | Credit points | Notes | ||||||||||||||||
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Year 1, Session 3 |
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Complete one or both of the below units and then follow the course progression for Session 1 Commencement excluding the completed unit/s. | ||||||||||||||||||||
HBIO1001 | Human Anatomy |
Session1,3
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NUTR1001 | Food and Nutrition in Health |
Session2,3
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Note 1:
ESSA Accredited Unit
Unit Code | Unit Title | Notes | |||
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Core Units |
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HBIO1001 | Human Anatomy | Note 1 | |||
PSYC1006 | Principles of Behaviour in Physical Activity | Note 1 | |||
HBIO1007 | Human Physiology I | Note 1 | |||
PSYC1001 | Introduction to Psychology I | ||||
HBIO1008 | Human Physiology II | Note 1 | |||
HBIO2001 | Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy | Note 1 | |||
NUTR1001 | Food and Nutrition in Health | Note 1 | |||
PSYC1002 | Introduction to Psychology II | ||||
HBIO1006 | Human Growth, Development and Ageing | Note 1 | |||
SCIN2002 | Mechanics for Movement | Note 1 | |||
BUSN1001 | Management for Sport and Exercise | Note 1 | |||
PSYC2004 | Development across the Lifespan | ||||
PSYC2003 | Exercise Psychology | Note 1 | |||
SPRT2001 | Sports Conditioning and Training Methods | Note 1 | |||
STAT2002 | Quantitative Methods in Psychology | ||||
HBIO2002 | Motor Control | Note 1 | |||
HLTH2002 | Exercise Physiology | Note 1 | |||
PSYC2001 | Psychological Assessment | ||||
STAT3001 | Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology | Note 1 | |||
HLTH3002 | Exercise Physiology and Prescription | Note 1 | |||
HLTH2001 | Motor Learning | Note 1 | |||
PSYC2002 | Abnormal Psychology | ||||
SPRT3001 | Professional Preparation | Note 1 | |||
PSYC3003 | Learning and Memory | ||||
SCIN3001 | Applied Biomechanics | Note 1 | |||
PSYC3004 | Biological Psychology | ||||
PSYC3001 | Social Psychology | ||||
HLTH1003 | Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport | Note 1 | |||
PSYC5001 | Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology | Note 1 | |||
Elective Units |
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Three elective units from the University-wide offerings |